On 25 January 2011, the final verdict will be given in the case of human rights defender Mr Sam Chankea at the Kg. Chhnang Provincial Court in Cambodia. Sam Chankea, who is Coordinator of the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC) in Kampong Chhnang, and particularly active in issues related to land rights, is charged with defaming the work of a private company.
Further Information
On 18 January 2011, Sam Chankea appeared before Kg Chhnang Provincial Court on charges of defamation against the work of the KDC International Company, which is owned by the wife of the Cambodian Minister for Mining and Energy. It is reported that during the hearing, the judge stated that he would give his final verdict in the case on 25 January 2011.
The charges against Sam Chankea reportedly relate to a radio interview, broadcast on 26 December 2010, in which Sam Chankea alleged that the aforementioned company had violated the law by refusing to suspend certain activities despite the fact that a court case in relation thereto was ongoing and awaiting judgement.